Top 50 Odd and Unique Fruits from Across the Globe

Buddha’s Hand (Citrus Medica)

If you’re curious about the peculiar name of this fruit, it’s because its shape resembles a hand, with extensions at the bottom that look like fingers. Typically, Buddha’s Hand is used in religious rituals due to the invigorating aroma of its fruit and blossoms. Even though the fruit itself isn’t particularly tasty, some individuals enjoy chopping it into tiny pieces and incorporating it into their salads. If you conserve slender slices of the fruit, they may even serve as a nutritious snack, akin to a fruit candy.

In Japan, Buddha’s Fingers are known as bushukan, and is commonly used as an air freshener or clothing scent.

Fruit of the Hala Aka Puhala Tree

A fruit similar in appearance to a pineapple is native to the coastal areas of Malesia, eastern Australia, and the Pacific Islands. This is the Hala fruit, sometimes referred to as pu Hala in Hawaiian vernacular, and it grows on the female Pandanus tectorius tree. The fruit picked is quite large and assumes an ovoid shape with sizes ranging from 4 to 20 cm in diameter. It has various colors such as yellow, orange, and red, with a green top. Residents of the Pacific islands and visitors alike enjoy several dishes prepared from Hala fruit. The interior of each fruit carpel is so succulent and fibrous that it is commonly used to produce dental floss. Over the years, Hawaiian communities have utilized the fruit as a source of arousal, colorant, and treatment.

Monster Fruit (Monstera Deliciosa)

This fruit, commonly referred to as the Swiss Cheese Plant, originates from Mexico. Similar to a corn ear in length, it is challenging to peel due to its exterior being covered in hexagonal scales. To consume the fruit, these scales must be removed to access the edible flesh.

The monster fruit’s most distinctive feature is its multitude of associated flavors. This fruit, often referred to as the ‘Fruit Salad Plant’, carries a taste similar to numerous other mouthwatering fruits worldwide. Flavors you might identify in this extraordinary fruit include strawberry, mango, passion fruit, and banana.

Jaboticaba Fruit (Plinia Cauliflora)

The growth pattern of the jaboticaba fruit is as distinctive as its name, sprouting directly from the tree’s trunk, unlike most fruits which usually derive from flowers. This feature makes jaboticaba stand out among other fruits. If you stumble upon a Jaboticaba tree, you would be amazed by the sheer number of grape-like fruits adhering to its branches and trunk. Moreover, this fruit from Brazil boasts a black and purple exterior akin to the texture of grapes. In certain areas, jaboticaba is also known as Brazilian grapes.

The uses of jaboticaba fruit align with those of grapes due to their similarity. Beyond being consumed fresh, they are frequently processed into preserves, juices, or wines.

Akebi Fruit (Akebia Quinata)

The Akebi fruit is distinctly recognizable with its vibrant purple exterior, and its inner flesh that’s white and stretched out. Little black seeds are sprinkled throughout the fruit, which can be eaten along with the flesh. Even though this fruit grows in countries like Taiwan, China, and Japan, it holds a particularly esteemed place in Japan. The Japanese locals have a fondness for including it in their regional cuisine.

The Akebi fruit offers a delicate yet crunchy feel in the mouth, featuring a balanced blend of sweetness and bitterness when consumed.

Ackee Fruit

The Ackee fruit depicted above is exactly how it should appear when it’s ripe and ready for use. This fruit is indigenous to Jamaica and is widely utilized in many traditional Jamaican recipes. The image above showcases the fruit at its prime ripeness. The seed, sticking out from its white pulpy flesh, is the sole edible part of the fruit or vegetable. The remainder is dangerously poisonous. Moreover, the Ackee fruit also serves as a vegetable and plays a significant role in Jamaica’s food culture.

Cashew Fruit

The visual appeal of this fruit is arguably the most intriguing aspect of its being. Its semblance represents a pseudo-fruit, and an individual lacking expertise might fail to distinguish it, thus slicing it incorrectly. The visibly apparent upper section is actually the seed of the fruit, not the fruit itself. The real fruit is the lump that appears in a cashew shape, varying in colors from green to brown. This is the main part of the fruit that should be harvested. Considering the commercial aspect, the seed also holds significant value, as it gives rise to the delectable dry fruit favored by nearly everyone – the cashew nut.

Rambutan

Rambutan, a term widely used in Malaysia and other Asian nations, refers to a fruit that’s typically two inches long. This fruit is pure white on the inside and covered with red, hair-like projections on the outside. The name “Rambutan” in Malay denotes “hairy”, thus earning the fruit its nickname, the “hairy fruit.” The fruit comes primarily in two popular types – yellow and red. In its initial stage, the fruit has a green tint which alters to yellow or red as the fruit matures. The peel of the fruit is soft and can be easily removed.

Mangosteen

The unveiling of the tropical fruit known as Mangosteen is a truly special event with its unique characteristics. Its lower part is brown, complemented by a floral, leaf-like stem of a green hue. The entire fruit is petite, comparable to a tennis ball and its rind boasts a rich blend of deep purple and brown shades. This rind is stout enough to safeguard the inner, white-colored flesh. A fun fact about this exotic fruit is that you can tell the number of juicy segments inside by counting the petals on its top.

Makrut Lime

The Makrut Lime bears little resemblance to other limes. Historically referred to as ‘Kaffir Limes’, this tropical fruit is indigenous to Asia. Renowned as the preferred lime choice among the Thai, who affectionately call it “Thai Limes”, its unique characteristics, such as its bumpy skin and extreme bitter taste, set it apart. Its scent offers a refreshing ambiance. While it may share similarities with other limes, such as its green exterior and the ability to create zest from it, the Makrut Lime is a clear standout. Filled with a multitude of beneficial organic nutrients, this lime is not only a culinary delight, but it also serves as a potent herbal medicine.

Melothria scabra

The Cucamelon, also known as Melothria scabra, is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. This tiny fruit, akin to the Aboujahl watermelon, has a delicious flavor and a texture reminiscent of a slightly crunchy cucumber. The Cucamelon is packed with essential nutrients such as antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins C, E, and K, and potassium. Its high fiber and low-calorie content make it ideal for those aiming for weight loss. The presence of Lycopene, an anti-inflammatory component, enhances its health benefits. It also supports the immune system. Like cucumbers, Cucamelons are light and can be a fantastic addition to salads.

Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum Dulcificum)

The term ‘miracle’ is used to describe this fruit due to the unusual impact it has. Consuming this fruit could make you perceive even tart foods as sweet. This unexpected experience is due to a substance known as miraculin found in the fruit. It deceives our taste receptors into misinterpreting sour as sweet.

The miracle fruit, while unusual, also serves as a natural remedy for ailments such as diabetes and to address taste variances related to medication. Searching for this remarkable berry? It’s predominantly located in places like West Africa, Ghana, Taiwan, and Puerto Rico.

Kiwano Melon (Cucumis Metuliferus)

The Kiwano melon, also known as the African horned cucumber, is a unique and extraordinary fruit. As a member of the cucumber family, one can anticipate that its taste is akin to a subtle cucumber flavor, occasionally with a hint of sweetness. If you allow the fruit to fully ripen, it may even develop a faint banana-like taste.

Discovered as one of the earliest melons in the world, the Kiwano melon is distinct with its yellow and orange skin and unique texture. This exotic fruit is often chosen as an edible decoration for various dishes due to its striking appearance.

Aguaje Fruit (Mauritia Flexuosa)

The Aguaje fruit, which originates from the tropical areas of the Peruvian Amazon, is recognizable due to its distinctive shiny brown scales. Removing the skin uncovers a yellow interior that houses a nut at the center. The fruit is valued by many for its myriad health advantages, such as its rich vitamin-A concentration and its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory traits.

The Aguaje fruit is the ideal choice if you desire a fruit that not only promotes eye health but also contributes to healthier and more youthful skin. It is particularly popular among women due to the widely held belief that its consumption plays a role in enhancing a woman’s silhouette.

Noni Fruit (Morinda Citrifolia)

Despite its unusual and pimpled exterior, the noni fruit boasts extraordinary health benefits that you shouldn’t overlook. Many contemporary health authorities have labeled it a “superfruit” due to its therapeutic qualities, including alleviating menstrual pain, bowel disorders, urinary tract infections, and diabetes. This distinctive Indian mulberry, once primarily found in Southeast Asia, is now gaining commercial appeal worldwide because of its medicinal attributes.

Despite providing several health benefits, the ripe noni fruit carries an extremely unpleasant odor, earning it the name “vomit fruit.” To counteract this foul smell, it’s typically cooked with aromatic spices, which help to mask the undesirable scent.

Breadfruit (Artocarpus Altilis)

The breadfruit, a relative of the mulberry and jackfruit families, is commonly seen in regions of Southeast Asia and the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Bearing a resemblance to a melon, it’s comparable in size to an average soccer ball. The surface of the breadfruit is bright green and features a textured exterior. Upon being peeled, its insides reveal a seeded flesh.

As the breadfruit matures, the starch it contains turns into sugar naturally. When you prepare the breadfruit, it reveals a flavor similar to that of newly cooked bread. Given its versatile flavor, breadfruit can wonderfully complement both sweet and salty dishes and act as a perfect neutral element in any meal.

Physalis (Physalis Peruviana)

Commonly referred to as the golden strawberry, the Physalis fruit closely mirrors a miniature tomato. Its overall size is remarkably small, typically developing within a paper-like husk, which tends to hide the fruit much like a bougainvillea bloom. In order to locate the Physalis fruit, the husk must be taken off.

The flavor of a ripened Physalis is somewhat akin to that of a pineapple. Its sweet and tangy taste allows it to be consumed uncooked, prepared as a cooked dish, or transformed into jellies and jams.

Dragon Fruit

Observing this fruit, the name seems entirely fitting and accurate. Its vibrant red hue is attractive, bearing a resemblance to a dragon’s tail. The fruit offers a sweet flavor from within and exhibits two diverse colors; red and white. Although, the red and occasionally purple interior is significantly sweeter than its white counterpart, notwithstanding their similar exterior. The exterior skin isn’t challenging to remove, and the consumable seeds embedded within are as delicious as the fruit itself. Dragon fruit is a member of the cactus family.

Custard Apple

The Custard Apple is a notably intriguing fruit. It gets its nickname, ‘green apple,’ from its external appearance – resembling a green apple with blister-like bumps that seem to have developed over time. The fruit bears a soft shell that can be easily split open. Inside is a sweet, white pulp which may be the tastiest you will ever come across. It also contains black seeds within it. Interestingly, these blister-like bumps can be plucked out, taking the matter along with the covering. Originating from the Andes, this peculiar fruit is both rare and challenging to locate.

Cupuacu

The image above depicts the Cupuacu, a distinctive fruit native to the Amazon basin. Its exterior, as seen in the photo, is brown in hue and extended in form. With a resilient outer layer to safeguard its internals, the fruit is typically twenty centimeters long and may weigh between one and two kilograms. Its inner flesh is spongy and white. Consumption of the Cupuacu fruit is beneficial for enhancing immunity and revitalizing the skin and hair.

Durian

Durian, a fruit infamous for its unpleasant aroma, is often referred to as the strangest of all fruits, primarily due to its overpowering smell. This notorious fruit is predominantly found in Malaysia and Singapore and features a spiky exterior that safeguards the succulent interior. Its notorious scent has been the cause of its prohibition in public areas in Singapore. However, despite its awful fragrance, the inner pulp is delectively sweet, akin to honey nectar, implying that it might have some redeeming qualities.

Jack Fruit

The jackfruit, primarily seen in India and Malaysia, has become uncommon due to its dwindling production. The image above shows its pineapple-like exterior, characterized by a rigid coating adorned with tiny spines to safeguard the fruit within. Internally, it contains distinct, dumpling-resembling segments that are a soft yellow hue. The jackfruit’s unique characteristic is its meat-like flavor, earning it the moniker of ‘vegetable meat’. It serves as an effective meat substitute in South Asian and Malaysian dishes, especially for vegetarian and vegan diets. The amount of fruit contained within its shell is quite remarkable.

Korean Melon

The Korean Melon, depicted in the preceding image, is primarily cultivated in Asian nations. It is thought to have made its journey from India and Pakistan, through the Silk Road to China, and finally landing in Korea. The taste of the fruit is sweet, with some suggesting it falls somewhere between honeydew and cucumber in its flavor profile. Its texture makes it easy to slice and serve. The characteristics of the fruit, including its thin skin and small seeds, contribute to its convenient consumption – it can be readily eaten in its entirety without the need for peeling or chopping, if so desired.

Passion Fruit

The Passion Fruit is a type of fruit that sprouts from the passionflower. Its distinctive physical features are hard to miss. It is shielded by a sturdy, rough external casing that typically takes on a dark purple or deep brown hue. Within this shell lies a layer of succulent white pulp, followed by the actual fruit which is a yellow, seed-filled interior. Originally thriving in tropical climates, advancements in cultivation technology have allowed this fruit to grow virtually anywhere across the globe. As a nutritional powerhouse, the Passion Fruit is packed with a wealth of fiber and a variety of essential vitamins.

Feijoa

The Feijoa is a type of fruit which typically sprouts on a tree known as the ornamental tree, a variety of evergreen. Although it is part of the guava family, it isn’t exactly a guava. The exterior of the fruit is green and it has a hard skin that can endure varying temperatures as it is usually grown in environments ranging from dry to semi-dry conditions. This tree earns its ornamental name due to its attractive leaves that form a visually appealing plantation. The fruits can be used to make jam or eaten fresh because of their sweet taste.

Tamarillo

The Tamarillo fruit bears a striking resemblance to a much more commonly used vegetable, the tomato, but don’t let its outward similarity deceive you. This small fruit, similar in size to a duck egg, boasts an eye-catching orange-red hue. Grown primarily in warm climates such as Central and Latin America, it thrives even under intense heat. Contrary to what one might assume, not only is the skin of the Tamarillo edible, but it is also recommended for consumption. The inside of this fruit is juicy, with seeds that are not only safe to eat but can even add to its appeal. Tamarillo is commonly incorporated in chutneys and various other food condiments.

Sour Plum

Globally recognized, sour plums are predominantly exported from Iran and distributed around the world. These small, green fruits bear a resemblance to diminutive apples, featuring a firm and fresh skin. Their sour flavor, often accentuated with a sprinkle of salt, makes them excellent palette purifiers. These plums can be transformed into delicious chutneys or simply enjoyed fresh right off the tree. Their small size makes them ideal for individual consumption or as a light snack due to their less filling nature.

Ice Cream Beans

The Ice cream beans stand out as one of the most distinct fruits originating from South America. Despite their exterior resembling peas, they deliver a surprisingly sweet flavor, akin to vanilla. Once you remove its skin, you’re greeted with a white, fluffy interior that shares the texture of cotton candy. You’ll undoubtedly crave for more after your first taste.

Longan

The Dimocarpus longan, also known as the longan plant, is a tropical tree from the Sapindaceae family. This tree, native to Asia and surrounding areas, bears a fruit that you can eat. The fruit has a brown, tough outer layer that enfolds a white, gelatinous, translucent flesh. Within this semi-clear edible substance lies a single, dark seed. The longan fruit, with its round shape, is always gathered in large clusters.

Longan is quite similar to lychee and can be found in its raw, dried state or in canned syrup form. Its flavor is comparable to that of dates, making it a popular choice for sweet and sour dishes. Additionally, it is commonly utilized in traditional East Asian folk medicine.

Mulberries

The Morus Alba, a type of mulberry tree, grows quickly and has a lifespan comparable to that of humans. Although originating from China, this plant has become naturalized in other countries including the United States, Australia, Turkey, Iran, and India. This plant is of medium size and creates consumable berries, typically in black, white, or red hues. Its alternate moniker, the silkworm mulberry, derives from its extensive use in silk production.

Mulberries serve as decorative plants due to their bright and appealing look. They are preferred in the production of wine, tea, jam, juice, and prepared foods because of their sugary flavor. They are also valuable in traditional Chinese medicine for lessening high cholesterol and stress levels, thanks to their biologically active components.

Jujube

The fruit often referred to as a red date or Chinese date is a tiny fruit with a reddish-brown hue and a wrinkled exterior. Its seeds can be found on the blossoming plants or shrubs of Ziziphus jujuba, which is indigenous to Southern Asia. When unripe, the fruit is somewhat similar to a green apple in appearance, but as it matures, it more closely resembles a date. Sweet and gummy, red dates are frequently used in the creation of candies and a range of desserts. Jujube fruit is a standard element in traditional medicine, often used to enhance sleep patterns and brain function.

Salak

The Salacca Malacca, a member of the palm tree family, is a fruit naturally grown in the Indonesian areas of Java and Sumatra. It is frequently referred to as the snake fruit due to its scaly exterior that is reddish-brown in color. The fruit grows in clusters at the base of the palm tree. The part of the fruit usually consumed by humans is the white pulp inside, which is structured into three segments akin to garlic cloves once the scaly exterior is peeled off. This fruit offers numerous health advantages, such as enhancing stamina and promoting better brain functionality among others.

Carambola

You may have already experienced the unique sweet and tart flavor of the star fruit, also known as carambola. Despite its tangy taste, have you ever considered its multitude of health benefits? This powerhouse fruit is packed with antioxidants, which are bolstered every time you consume it. Interestingly, its formal name is actually Carambola. It gained the name star fruit due to its distinct star-like shape. This fruit, which often presents a greenish-yellow hue, offers a crisp exterior along with a tart flavor profile. But its benefits are not just confined to health; it also offers numerous advantages for beauty enhancement.

Make sure you enjoy the tarty start fruit and don’t miss on experiencing the benefits!

Purple Sweet Potato

There’s always a long debate about whether sweet potatoes are fruits or vegetables. We’ll, one should believe in what a darling vegetable sweet potatoes are!

Not only do they offer a delightful addition to any meal as a side dish, but they contribute an amazing amount of nutrients to your diet as well. They aid in increasing beta-carotene, which plays a key role in protecting your body from heart-related diseases. In addition, they enhance your immune system and support the steady circulation of blood.

Moreover, the beautifully hued purple sweet potatoes are rich in Anthocyanin that greatly contributes to maintaining brain health. As a result, it offers considerable assistance for individuals afflicted with dementia.

Black Sapote

Often referred to as the chocolate pudding fruit, black soap apple, or zapote Prieto in Spanish, Black Sapote is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to regions such as Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. Resembling a tomato in terms of size, shape, and some physical characteristics, it displays an olive skin that transitions to a yellowish-green hue as it ripens. The initially unpalatable white pulp of the fruit then transforms into a flavorsome substance resembling chocolate pudding as the fruit matures. Consuming Black Sapote in its immature stage is strongly unadvised due to its unsuitability. The chocolatey flavor of this fruit lends itself quite well to the preparation of various desserts including cakes, ice-creams, mousse, and other sweets.

Lychee

Did you know that Lycheeis known as the Chinese fruit? Though it is grown in China it is also found in countries that have a warm climate like the USA, Hawaii, or Florida. The coolest name given to its shell or skin is an alligator strawberry. Well, that’s obviously because of the red strawberry-like textured skin it has.

The most remarkable aspect of litchi is its wonderful aroma! It exudes a flower-like scent intertwined with a delightful fruity flavor. The versatility of litchi allows it to be included in smoothies, salads, or even eaten solo! Undeniably, peeling litchi could be seen as a chore. However, the rewarding taste certainly makes up for the effort involved in the peeling process!

Achiote

Achiote, also known as annatto, is a red-orange spice obtained from the seeds of the Bixa Orellana tree. This tree is commonly found in tropical areas ranging from Mexico to Brazil. In cooking, it is often used for its ability to give food an orange or red hue. Annatto has a flavor that combines the sweetness and nuttiness of nutmeg with a subtle peppery taste. It is increasingly being used as a natural coloring agent in the mass production of dairy-based packaged foods, serving as a safe and organic alternative to synthetic food colorings to prevent food allergies.

Fruit of the Langsat Tree

The Langsat fruit, also referred to as Lanzones in English, Dokong in Malaysia, and Duku in Indonesia, is a member of the Mahogany family. It bears the scientific name Lansium Parasiticum. The sweet, juicy fruit, which is oval in shape, is native to various Southeast Asian regions such as Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines. The Langsat’s tangy taste can be attributed to its soft bitter seeds. This fruit, which grows in grape-like clusters, is typically harvested in late fall and early winter when its skin turns a yellow-brown hue. It shares similarities with both the longan and lychee fruits in that it possesses a translucent, gel-like flesh and a slightly acidic flavor. The Langsat is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, with only 57 calories per 100 grams.

Papayas from Hawaii

Papayas from Hawaii are originally native to the southeast side of Central America. And by the time after it was introduced to other countries around the globe, Hawaii became the finest exporter, exporting 90% of Papayas from Hawaii. This small fruit, having the shape of a pear, has bright greenish-yellow skin. Its fragrant, flavored flesh is in golden-yellow color, having a blended taste of peaches and mangoes. This fruit also has a bunch of black seeds, which are edible, making the fruit have a spicy flavor. Papayas from Hawaii are accessible throughout the year. It is rich in vitamin-A and antioxidants. It also helps in digestion.

Chikoo

Chikoo, commonly called Sapodilla and known as Chikoo in several Asian countries, have been originally grown in southern regions of Mexico and Central America. This brown oval-shaped soft fruit is available two times a year. It is harvested in the middle of winters and at the end of spring. Its yellowish-brown colored flesh is sweet, composing 2-3 large inedible black seeds. Chikoos can normally be stored for up to a maximum three days; it is the fruits that easily get rotten. It is a good source for fibers acting as a laxative, and it is rich in Vitamin C and A. Furthermore, it boosts your immunity.

Small citrus fruits

Small citrus fruits are one of the oldest fruits since ancient times, native to Southeast Asia. These oval-shaped small-sized fruits in orange color belong to the Rutaceae family. The fruit’s skin is thick enough to tightly cling with the flesh through a tasteless pith. The fruit has 4-6 segments, enclosing small seeds in it. The whole fruit is edible and has a sweet peel and a little bit sour tasted flesh, balancing the whole fruit’s taste. It is an all-rounder fruit. It is widely used as an herbal ingredient for many remedies because it has beneficial nutrients, including Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamin A, E, C, and many other essential oils.

Watermelon Raddish

Originating from China, Watermelon Radishes are known locally as Shinrimei Radishes. This attractive fruit, characterized by its smooth, white exterior and vibrant magenta interior, essentially consists of edible roots. Its distinct, somewhat savory taste and crunchiness are best appreciated when the radish is harvested either late in autumn or during spring, a time when the size of this fruit is determined. Consuming the radish raw provides a wealth of Vitamin C. It also contains a specific chemical compound, Isothiocyanate, contributing to its organic nature. Apart from eating it raw, Watermelon Radishes can also be cooked — a method popular in Chinese cuisine, where it is often paired with seafood to introduce sweetness.

Ugli Fruit

Ugli Fruits are quite large, measuring around 13 cm in diameter. These particular citrus fruits were first discovered on an unexpected tree in Jamaica in the early 20th century. The shape of the fruit isn’t consistent and it comes with a thick, bumpy peel that is easy to remove and exhibits lesions. As they ripen, these fruits exhibit a mixture of green, yellow, and orange hues. Internally, the fruit can be split into around 10-12 segments, each partitioned by a membrane. The flesh boasts a unique yellowish-orange color and smells similar to lemons while also tasting like a delicious blend of oranges and grapes. Due to its rich content of antioxidants and vitamin C, this fruit aids in strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Carrots of a Purple Hue

Carrots of a vibrant magenta hue, which are native to areas such as Afghanistan, Turkey and various Middle Eastern countries, exhibit stunning shades from deep violet to a reddish-purple. These vegetables are uniquely spicy in flavor. Purple carrots, which are primarily white and magenta, are brimming with a wide range of nutrients that confer significant health advantages. Carrots of all varieties are particularly high in antioxidants, fiber, potassium, manganese, and vitamin C, and are abundant in beta-carotene, which provides protection against inflammation and infections. Plus, their low calorie content makes them a healthy choice. The presence of Anthocyanins, compounds that hinder heart clotting, reduces the risk of heart disease.

Fruit of Kepel

Fruit of Kepels were discovered in Southeast Asia, belonging to the family of Annonaceae. They vary in size, from small to medium. Their outer surface has a rough leather-like texture, changing its color from green –brown as it grows older. The flesh’s consistency is a little bit creamy and smooth. The best part is that it is durable for six months. If the brown surface is easily being scratched, it means the fruit is ripe. Kepel fruits have a very sweet smell, just like mangoes and papayas. Just like other fruits, it is rich in vitamin C and Vitamin A. In Asian countries, Kepel fruits are used as anti-aging ingredients to clean the kidneys.

Jicama

Jicama, also popularly referred to as Yambean in its native regions of Mexico and South America, is a veggies with an oval shape, not unlike legumes. Its size range is wide, with a similar rough, brown skin resemblance to a potato. Its taste, however, is more chestnut-like. Jicama can be found year-round despite its thick skin, which can be sliced open quite readily but peeling it can be a challenge. It has more nutritional value when consumed raw. Storing it in the refrigerator is an effective method as usual ripening methods don’t affect it.

Gac Fruits

These spherical fruits, about the size of a melon, are native to various areas across Southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam. The Gac fruit, initially green, changes to orange as it ripens. This round fruit has a maximum diameter of 13cm. Its skin possesses spines, contrasting with the soft, spongy texture of its orange flesh on the inside. Within it also lies a cavity filled with edible magenta sacks. Intriguing, isn’t it? Its taste is not particularly sweet, with its peak season being in the fall. The fruit is abundant in Lycopene and beta-carotene, nutrients also present in tomatoes and potatoes, respectively.

Aboujahl watermelon

The Aboujahl watermelon is part of the Cucurbitaceae family, a species of blooming plants that originate from Africa. It’s essentially a mini watermelon, which falls under a modified berry category. Despite its smaller size, this fruit has identical attributes and flavors to that of a traditional watermelon, rugged exterior peel with sweet, juicy red pulp inside. It’s just tinier, morphing it into a watermelon in miniature form. Although the common watermelon’s taste is well-known and loved, the Aboujahl watermelon remains an unconventional delicacy. This fruit is made up primarily of water and fiber, making it an ideal option for those conscious of their diet.

Red Bananas

Red bananas offer more health benefits than their yellow counterparts. Their origin traces back to Asian nations. Similar to yellow bananas, they can be found available all year round. Red bananas tend to have a somewhat dry taste, so it is advisable to consume them only when they are fully ripe. Once ripe, their skin turns into a rich bricked color and encases a vibrant, soft pulp. Their flavor resembles that of a raspberry. Nutrient-wise, they pack in higher amounts of beta carotene and vitamin C compared to yellow bananas, and they also consist of all three types of sugars. Just like your usual bananas, these red varieties can also be used in preparing smoothies, delectable desserts, and baked goods.

Prickly Pear

While the majority of cactus fruits globally are not suitable for consumption, this one begs to differ. Consider it a prickly pear. Fortunately, when purchased in markets, these are void of their barbs. The spikes are detached before the fruit is put up for sale. However, if you encounter one in the wild, consuming it with the thorns intact can be quite a challenge. The fruit itself is tasty and packed with nutrients, yet the majority still prefer to consume it in juice form.